CLIMATE CHANGE AND FORCED MIGRATION HOTSPOTS

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Blaze Dorsey
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1 CLIMATE CHANGE AND FORCED MIGRATION HOTSPOTS From Humanitarian Response to Area-wide Adaptation Jean François Durieux Deputy Director Division of Operational Services UNHCR HQs Bonn Climate Talks 6 April 2009

2 Extreme Climatic Events and Refugee Operations Many refugee emergencies develop in border areas that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, due to their geographic location, general prevailing conditions (e.g. poverty, overpopulation) or relative isolation from political decision making Refugees are also affected by extreme climatic events Can a lose lose situation be turned into a win win?

3 The Case of Dadaab Refugee Camps in Northern Kenya

4 Dadaab Refugee Camps Population 235,455 refugees (Dec. 2008) in the camps and 160,000 residents in Dadaab town The camps were initially designed for 90,000 5,000 new arrivals per month in average in 2008 Congestion, limited water availability, stretched sanitation system, health hazards Situated in the flood plain

7 Floods in Dadaab Climate Harsh, average temperature above 40 degrees Frequently flooded (1997, 2006) In 2006, two people killed, 78,000 uprooted, latrines overflowed, UNHCR operations disrupted A number of cases of fever, eye and skin infections, diarrhea reported

8 Flood in 2006 Dadaab

9 Flood in 2006 Dadaab

10 Planned Relocation from Dadaab to new site Relocation is planned for up to 120,000 people to de congest the existing camps and to accommodate new arrivals The new settlements are to promote co existence by having common communal infrastructure (e.g. market place, slaughter house, sports facilities) community development approach (e.g. inclusion of the area in development planning process) environmentally sound planning and practice (e.g. environment impact assessment, energy efficient stoves, alternative energy)

11 Co Development and Co Existence in Dadaab The host community is involved in planning and reaps the benefits of Education and health services Improved livelihoods Managed resources (water; livestock; etc.) Climatechange adaptation Refugee presence attracts international assistance and contributes to development in the area

12 The Case of Refugee Settlements in Teknaf, South East Bangladesh

13 Teknaf, South East Bangladesh 9,000 unregistered refugees in a makeshift camp on the bank of the Naf River Refugee shacks were on muddy ground vulnerable to flooding, cyclones, high tides

15 Camp in Tal

16 Impacts of Cyclones Natural disasters affect refugees and locals alike => need for integrated and multi sectoral approach The cyclones result in injuries, loss of lives, and extensive damages to crops, roads, shelters, and other infrastructures February refugee died and 81 refugees injured. 61% refugee shed structures and over 50% of latrines severely damaged May refugees died and 637 refugees injured. 70% of refugee shed structures severely damaged November 1995 No deaths or injuries but many refugee sheds flattened May 1997 No deaths but some injuries. Refugee sheds damaged September 1997 No refugee injuries or deaths May 1998 No refugee injuries or deaths

17 Cyclone Preparedness Plan of Action Establish co ordination committees both at Dhaka and Cox s Bazar with representatives of the line ministries, UN agencies, international organizations, and NGOs The aim is to ensure an effective emergency response in all sectoral activities within 24 hours e.g. evacuation, repair of damaged health, shelter structures

18 Relocation of Unregistered Refugees In 2007, the government agreed to relocate 9,000 unregistered refugees from the banks of tidal river to a safer site in Leda. The move was facilitated by Islamic Relief. to Leda

19 The Camp at Leda More secure and well laid out in 20 acres Basic needs supported by NGOs including Islamic Relief funded by the European Commission and UNICEF A health care center operated by Islamic Relief The incidence of disease has dropped significantly after the relocation

20 Co Development UN Joint Programme More comprehensive and better coordinated UN response through joint initiative in Teknaf and Ukhia Upazilas Target group vulnerable populations, women and children in particular Key components Livelihood, education, health, water & sanitation, protection of children and youth against exploitation It includes horticulture plantation, mangrove afforestation, establishment of climate resilience shelters, disaster preparedness

21 Conclusion Highly vulnerable populations including refugees will face greater risk due to the impact of climate change Adaptation measures are essential to reduce vulnerability and build resilience to extreme events Preparedness is of paramount importance for disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and post disaster rehabilitation Local populations face the same challenges, which requires a co existence, co development approach that is integrated and multi sectoral Within governments, as well as within international aid agencies, humanitarian actors need to engage with development actors to link short term and long term adaptation efforts

22 Thank you!

23 Camp During Rainy Season

Joint Response Plan Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis March December 2018

Joint Response Plan Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis March December 2018 Joint Response Plan: March December 2018 Under the guidance of the Government of Bangladesh, the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis Joint